Washington National Opera (WNO) in Washington, D.C., draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for the art form of opera and its audiences.
Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera is today one of America’s largest opera companies. As an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,362-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and enrichment programs year-round.
Washington National Opera’s artistic profile is marked by numerous highlights, including 25 world and American premieres and more than 60 new productions. With a commitment to presenting dramatically compelling works executed at the highest levels of artistry, the company balances the standard repertory with new and infrequently performed works.
Since its inception, WNO has actively fostered the careers of promising young artists, and many major artists appeared with the company early in their careers. WNO’s commitment to young talent was formalized in 2001, when Plácido Domingo founded WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, which today stands as one of the premier training residencies for artists on the verge of international careers.
Beyond the Kennedy Center Opera House, Washington National Opera engages a broad public. Free and low-cost audience development programs such as Artist Q&As, lectures, master classes, Generation O (a discount ticket program for 18-35 year olds), and partnerships with other local cultural organizations ensure WNO performances are accessible to all. The company was among the first to simulcast its productions, bringing free opera broadcasts to tens of thousands in our annualOpera in the Outfield at Nationals Park. Coupled with award-winning youth education programs serving public schools in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, WNO’s programs are a vital resource not only for opera lovers, but for students and arts educators throughout the metro region. WNO productions have been heard nationally and internationally through radio and television broadcasts on NPR, XM Satellite Radio, and PBS, as well as through commercial audio and video recordings.
For more information about Washington National Opera, visit [Kennedy Center]
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